Abstract:

In various embodiments, one or more real musical instruments may be used
to interact with a program (e.g., a game or learning application) on a
digital device such as a game console. A method may comprise receiving a
music signal from a port of a real musical instrument, formatting the
music signal for transmission to a digital device, wherein the formatted
music signal comprises an instrument identifier, and wirelessly
transmitting the formatted music signal.

Claims:

1. A method comprising:receiving a music signal from a port of a real
musical instrument;formatting the music signal for transmission to a
digital device, wherein the formatted music signal comprises an
instrument identifier; andwirelessly transmitting the formatted music
signal.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an instrument
selection.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the format of the music signal is based,
at least in part, on the instrument selection.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the instrument selection is received
from a keypad.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a format selection
and wherein the format of the music signal is based, at least in part, on
the format selection.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the music signal, formatting
the music signal, and transmitting the formatted music signal is
performed by an instrument interface.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an activation
command and activating an instrument interface.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising charging a battery and
receiving power from the battery to power an instrument interface to
receive the music signal, format the music signal, and transmit the
formatted music signal.

10. A system comprising:an instrument module configured to receive a music
signal from a port of a real musical instrument;a signal processing
module configured to format the music signal for transmission to a
digital device, wherein the formatted music signal comprises an
instrument identifier; andan antenna configured to wirelessly transmit
the formatted music signal.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the instrument module is further
configured to receive an instrument selection from a user.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the format of the music signal is
based, at least in part, on the instrument selection.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the instrument selection is received
from a digital device interface.

14. The system of claim 10, further comprising a signal processing module
configured to receive a format selection and wherein the format of the
music signal is based, at least in part, on the format selection.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the system comprises an instrument
interface.

16. The system of claim 10, further comprising an activation/deactivation
interface configured to activate or deactivate the system.

17. The system of claim 10, further comprising a power module configured
to charge a battery and receive power from the battery to power the
system to receive the music signal, format the music signal, and transmit
the formatted music signal.

19. A computer readable medium comprising executable instructions, the
instructions executable by a processor to perform a method, the method
comprising:receiving a music signal from a port of a real musical
instrument;formatting the music signal for transmission to a digital
device, wherein the formatted music signal comprises an instrument
identifier; andwirelessly transmitting the formatted music signal.

[0002]A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has
no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and
Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

[0003]1. Field of the Invention

[0004]The present invention relates generally to musical instruments. More
particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for wireless
connectivity of a musical instrument.

[0005]2. Description of Related Art

[0006]Games that allow users to play fake instruments to music are not
uncommon. In these games, a user purchases a fake instrument that acts as
a gaming interface that allows a user to interact with a game. In one
example, the fake instrument may resemble a guitar generally but include
colorful buttons rather than strings. The fake instrument or toy cannot
be used apart from the game console to play music. The colorful buttons
may be depressed in time to music based on instructions on a video game.
As a player gets more proficient at the game, however, the player does
not learn how to use or handle a real musical instrument.

[0007]Further, the fake instrument does not play actual music but may
provide one or more signals based on the buttons that are pressed. These
signals are received by the game console to determine if the correct
button was pressed at the right time. Music is not played by the fake
instrument and music (or a music signal) is not received by the game
console. Although the game console may play music during the game, the
music is typically prerecorded and does not generally stem from the fake
instrument, but rather may be caused when the player hits one or more
buttons on the fake instrument.

[0008]Further, games that allow a user to interact and play with the fake
instrument in time to music do not instruct the user how to improve
technique, instrument handling, chords, or the like. Rather, the games
typically test the user's ability to hit buttons in time with prerecorded
music. As a result, a proficient game player will not be able to take a
real musical instrument decoupled from the game and play music (e.g., as
a solo, at a concert, or as a part of an actual band).

SUMMARY

[0009]In various embodiments, one or more real musical instruments may be
used to interact with a program (e.g., a game or learning application) on
a digital device such as a game console. A method may comprise receiving
a music signal from a port of a real musical instrument, formatting the
music signal for transmission to a digital device, wherein the formatted
music signal comprises an instrument identifier, and wirelessly
transmitting the formatted music signal.

[0010]The method may further comprise receiving an instrument selection.
The format of the music signal may be based, at least in part, on the
instrument selection. Further, the instrument selection may be received
from a keypad.

[0011]In some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving a
format selection and wherein the format of the music signal is based, at
least in part, on the format selection. Receiving the music signal,
formatting the music signal, and transmitting the formatted music signal
may be performed by an instrument interface.

[0012]The method may further comprise receiving an activation command and
activating an instrument interface. The method may also further comprise
charging a battery and receiving power from the battery to power an
instrument interface to receive the music signal, format the music
signal, and transmit the formatted music signal. Transmitting the
formatted wireless signal may occur via wireless USB.

[0013]In various embodiments, a system comprises an instrument module, a
signal processing module, and an antenna. The instrument module may be
configured to receive a music signal from a port of a real musical
instrument. The signal processing module may be configured to format the
music signal for transmission to a digital device, wherein the formatted
music signal comprises an instrument identifier. The antenna may be
configured to wirelessly transmit the formatted music signal.

[0014]An exemplary computer readable medium may comprise executable
instructions. The instructions may be executable by a processor to
perform a method. The method may comprise receiving a music signal from a
port of a real musical instrument, formatting the music signal for
transmission to a digital device, wherein the formatted music signal
comprises an instrument identifier, and wirelessly transmitting the
formatted music signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment of multiple instruments
wirelessly coupled to a game console.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a general block diagram of an instrument interface in an
embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a general block diagram of an instrument interface in
another embodiment.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a technical block diagram of an instrument interface in an
embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a technical block diagram of an instrument interface in
another embodiment.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a module diagram of an instrument interface in an
embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 7 is an exemplary method for wireless connectivity between an
instrument interface and a digital device.

[0022]FIG. 8a depicts a front and right side view of the instrument
interface in an embodiment.

[0023]FIG. 8b depicts a back side view of the instrument interface in an
embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 9 is a general block diagram of a game console in an
embodiment.

[0026]In various embodiments, an instrument player may play a real musical
instrument and interact with an executable program (e.g., an application)
such as a learning environment or game via a digital device such as a
game console. The real instrument may be any real musical instrument that
may be detached from the digital device and used to play music (e.g.,
with a band, at a concert, or practice). In some embodiments, the real
instrument is not modified or adapted to interact with the learning
environment or game. Rather, in some embodiments, the real instrument is
coupled with an instrument interface using a standard cable (e.g., an
audio cable configured to attach to the real instrument and the
instrument interface). In one example, a microphone (i.e., a pickup) may
be placed within a real instrument (e.g., guitar or piano). The
microphone provides signals to a port. The instrument interface may be
coupled to the port on the real instrument over a standard cable or a
cable with at least one standard end.

[0027]The instrument interface may receive the signal from the real
instrument. The instrument interface may then provide the signal to the
digital device (e.g., game console). In some embodiments, the instrument
interface provides the signal wirelessly via an antenna. The instrument
interface may alter, covert, update, modify, format, encode, and/or
format the signal. In one example, the instrument interface may convert
an analog signal received from the real instrument to transmit to the
digital device. The instrument interface may also associate an instrument
identifier with the signal and/or transmit the signal over a specific
channel.

[0028]The digital device may then receive the signal from the instrument
interface and allow the user to interact with the learning environment
and/or a game (e.g., a program on the digital device). In some
embodiments, the digital device executes a program that is an educational
and recreational tool that may take users through an entire musical
process from learning and practicing, through recording and sharing. The
program may include features that support users of all skill levels, from
the beginning musician to the accomplished artist.

[0029]As the user interacts with the program, the user may learn how to
play the real instrument. In one example, the user may receive
instruction on how to play the real instrument, be able to play along
with songs, receive criticism, see areas of improvements, be tested,
receive instruction on areas to be improved, track proficiency of
playing, and/or the like

[0030]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 100 of multiple real
instruments 104a and 104b wirelessly coupled to a game console 108. The
exemplary environment 100 comprises a real instrument 104a coupled to an
instrument interface 106a and a real instrument 104b coupled to an
instrument interface 106b. The real instrument 104a and real instrument
104b are wirelessly coupled to a game console 108 via the instrument
interface 106a and instrument interface 106b, respectively. The game
console 108 is further coupled to a display 110. In FIG. 1, an instrument
player 102a may play the real instrument 104a and an instrument player
102b may play the real instrument 104b. The instrument players 102a and
102b may be any user who interacts with a program on the game console 108
with the real instrument.

[0031]The real instruments 104a and 104b may comprise any real musical
instrument. A real musical instrument is any instrument that may be
decoupled from the instrument interface 106a and 106b, respectively,
decoupled from the game console 108, and used to play music (e.g., in a
band, at a concert, or as a solo). The definition of music may differ
based on geography, culture, ethnicity, genre, time period, etc. In some
embodiments, the real instrument 104a may be an electric guitar, acoustic
guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, keyboard, or any musical instrument.
Although FIG. 1 depicts real instrument 104a and real instrument 104b as
the same instrument, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
two instruments may be different (e.g., real instrument 104a may be a
keyboard and real instrument 104b may be bass guitar). Further, although
only two instruments are depicted in FIG. 1, there may be any number of
real instruments in various embodiments. In another example, a single
instrument player 102a may play with a real instrument 104a without
another player or other real instrument 104b.

[0032]The instrument interfaces 106a and 106b are devices that couple to
the real instruments 104a and 104b, respectively, and communicate with
the game console 108. In various embodiments, the instrument interface
106a allows the real instrument 104a to transmit signals to the game
console 108. In one example, the instrument interface 106a may be coupled
to a port of the real instrument 104a. The instrument interface 106a may
then receive signals from the real instrument 104a via the port. The
instrument interface 106a may then provide the signal to the game console
108.

[0033]Although the instrument interfaces 106a and 106b depict a wireless
connection with the game console 108, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the connection may be either by wire or wireless. In
other embodiments, different instrument interfaces may provide signals to
the game console in different ways. For example, the instrument interface
104a may be wirelessly coupled with the game console 108 while the
instrument interface 106b may be coupled to the game console via a wire
(e.g., Ethernet or USB cable).

[0034]Although the instrument interface 106a is often discussed herein for
practicality, those skilled in the art will appreciate that when
instrument interface 106a is referred in some embodiments, any instrument
interface (e.g., instrument interface 106b) may perform similar or the
same functions.

[0035]In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106a transmits to the
game console 108 which comprises a multi-input wireless hardware receiver
that supports multiple real instruments simultaneously. The game console
108 may operate with an integrated API/software encoding/encoding
function to pair the game console 108 or CPU of the game console 108 and
identify discrete data channels transmitted from the instrument interface
106a which may enable discrete control of each audio source arriving at
the game console 108.

[0036]The game console 108 is any digital device configured to receive
signals from the instrument interface 106a and/or instrument interface
106b. The game console 108, for example, may comprise any digital device
including, but not limited to, a Microsoft Xbox® (e.g., Xbox 360), a
Sony Playstation® (e.g., Playstation 3), or Nintendo Wii®. The game
console 108 may also comprise a computer such as an Apple Macintosh
computer, personal computer, notebook, netbook, media tablet, smart
phone, or the like.

[0037]Although FIG. 1 depicts the game console 108 coupled to a display
110, the game console 108 may comprise the display 110 or, in another
embodiment, the display 110 may comprise the game console 108. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the display 110 may comprise a
processor and functionality that is configured to function as a game
console (e.g., game console 108).

[0038]In some embodiments, the game console 108 is configured with a
network adaptor or other hardware that is configured to receive wireless
signals via the instrument interface 106a. In other embodiments, the game
console 108 may comprise an internal antenna configured to receive
wireless signals via the instrument interface 106a such that a network
adaptor is unnecessary. Further, the game console 108 may be configured
to be connected via a wire to the instrument interface 106a.

[0039]The game console 108 may perform many functions. For example, the
game console 108 may be configured to receive the wireless signal, route
to an assigned channel, apply any attributes, synchronize with any
sequential files, merge input data with an audio file stream (e.g., with
all or some of a prerecorded song) and either store or output a merged
audio stream.

[0040]The display 110 may comprise any display such as a television or
computer screen. In some embodiments the display 110 is a flat panel
display such as an LCD or plasma display. The display 110 may comprise a
rear or forward projection display. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the display 110 is any device that is configured to
display images such as pictures, animation, broadcast television, and/or
the like.

[0041]FIG. 2 is a general block diagram of an instrument interface 106a in
an embodiment. The instrument interface 106a may comprise a mini USB port
202, a battery charge circuit 204, a battery and regulation module 206,
an EEPROM 208, instructions 210, supporting circuitry 212, an analog
input port 214, an ADC module 216, a wireless chip 218, and an onboard
antenna 220.

[0042]The mini USB port 202 is any port that may be used to couple the
instrument interface 106a with a real instrument 104a or digital device
(e.g., game console 108). Although the port is described as a mini USB
port, the mini USB port 202 may comprise any kind of port for any kind of
wired topology including, but not limited to, USB, firewire, Ethernet,
serial, or parallel. In another example, the mini USB port 202 may not be
a mini USB port, but may comprise any connector for USB including but not
limited to standard type A, standard type B, mini A, mini B, micro AB,
and micro B. Further, although FIG. 2 depicts a single port, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be any number of ports
including a combination of different types of ports.

[0043]The battery charge circuit 204 is any circuit that is configured to
charge a battery and/or power the instrument interface 106a. In one
example, the battery charge circuit may charge a battery with power
retrieved from the mini USB port 202. In some embodiments, the battery
charge circuit 204 may comprise a separate port that receives power from
a digital device (not depicted) or other power sources (e.g., from a wall
outlet and/or a power adaptor). The battery charge circuit 204 may also
be configured to step up, step down, or otherwise adapt received power
such that the power is suitable to power the instrument interface 106a
directly and/or charge the battery. For example, the battery charge
circuit may be configured to adapt power received from a country with
different power standards or other sources such that the power may be
used to charge the battery.

[0044]The battery and regulation module 206 is configured to power the
instrument interface 106a. In some embodiments, the battery and
regulation module 206 comprises a battery including, but not limited to,
a lithium (e.g., coin), alkaline, lithium ion, or nickel metal hydride
battery. In various embodiments, the battery and regulation module 206
may comprise a capacitor or any device configured to store energy to
power the instrument interface 106a. The battery and regulation module
206 may also be configured to regulate the power and power the instrument
interface 106a. In one example, the battery and regulation module 206 is
configured to step up power stored in a battery to power the instrument
interface 106a. The battery and regulation module 206 may also function
as a surge protector and/or an EMI/RFI filter.

[0045]The EEPROM 208 may comprise Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory (i.e., EEPROM) or any kind of nonvolatile memory (e.g.,
EPROM, PROM, ROM, flash, or hard drive). Instructions 210 may be loaded
into the EEPROM 208. The instructions 210 may configure the instrument
interface 106a to receive one or more signals from the real instrument
104a, process the signal(s), and provide the signal(s) to the game
console 108 (e.g., via the onboard antenna 220 and/or the mini USB port
202). In some embodiments, the instructions 210 configure the instrument
interface 106a to associate an instrument identifier with the real
instrument 104a, one or more signals received from the analog input port
214, and/or one or more signals provided to the game console 108. The
instructions 210 may also allow the selection of a channel to provide
signals to the game console 108.

[0046]The supporting circuitry 212 may be any circuitry that processes the
signal(s) received via the analog input port 214. In some embodiments,
the supporting circuitry 212 may control the ADC module and/or the
wireless chip 218. In various embodiments, the supporting circuitry 212
is configured by the instructions 210 to associate the instrument
identifier with the real instrument 104a, one or more signals received
from the analog input port 214, and/or one or more signals provided to
the game console 108.

[0047]The analog input port 214 is any port that is configured to be
coupled with the real instrument 104a. In some embodiments, the analog
input port 214 is configured to receive an analog jack via a cable
coupled to the real instrument 104a. In various embodiments, the analog
input port 214 may receive an analog signal from the real instrument 104a
and provide the signal to the ADC module 216. In one example, the analog
input port 214 may be configured to receive a 1/4'' jack. In various
embodiments, the analog input port 214 may receive a MIDI or other
digital signal from the real instrument and provide the signal directly
to the wireless chip 218.

[0048]The ADC module 216 may comprise an analog to digital converter
configured to convert an analog signal received from the real instrument
104a via the analog input port 214 to a digital signal. The signal may
also be processed by the supporting circuitry 212 to modify the signal
(e.g., equalize, amplify, attenuate noise, and/or enhance sound quality)
or adapt the signal (e.g., associate the digital signal with an
instrument identifier, format the signal, or place the digital signal
into a condition that may be received by the wireless chip, or prepare
the signal to be provided via a channel). In one example, the ADC module
216 may sample 16 bit audio at a 44 KHz sampling rate.

[0049]The wireless chip 218 is any hardware or software that is configured
to process the digital signal received from the ADC module 216 and
prepare the signal to be transmitted via the onboard antenna 220. In some
embodiments, the wireless chip 218 may be configured by the instructions
210 and/or the supporting circuitry 212 to adapt the digital signal so
that it is suitable for one or more different game consoles 108, real
instruments, or different antenna. In one example, the instrument player
102a may configure the EEPROM 208 to identify the game console 108 as an
XBOX 360 and/or identify the real instrument 104a (e.g., as an acoustic
guitar). The EEPROM 208 may configure to the supporting circuitry 212,
the ADC module 216, and/or the wireless chip 218 to process signals
received from the real instrument 104a appropriately (e.g., process the
signals such that they may be understood by the game console 108,
identify the real instrument 104a, and/or associate the signal with an
instrument identifier that may be understood by the game console 108).
The wireless chip 218 may provide data to be transmitted in one or more
channels that are transmitted by the onboard antenna 220.

[0050]The onboard antenna 220 is any antenna configured to provide a
signal to the game console 108 and/or any digital device. In some
embodiments, the onboard antenna 220 is any antenna that is contained
within the instrument interface 106a. In various embodiments, the
instrument interface 106a may comprise a port which may be used to couple
the instrument interface 106a to an external antenna. In other
embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may not comprise or be coupled
to an antenna and, rather, may be coupled to the game console 108 via a
cable.

[0051]Although the instrument interface 106a is depicted as comprising an
onboard antenna 220, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in
some embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be coupled to any
antenna. In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be
coupled with a network adaptor that comprises an antenna. In one example,
the mini USB port 202 may be coupled to a USB antenna that is configured
to provide signals to the game console 108. In various embodiments, the
instrument interface 106a may both receive and provide signals with the
game console 108, one or more real instruments, and/or one or more other
instrument interfaces.

[0052]Although the instrument interface 106a is depicted as comprising the
analog input port 214, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
instrument interface 106a may be coupled with the real instrument 104a in
any number of ways including different cables and/or wirelessly. In some
embodiments, the onboard antenna 220 may be used to communicate with the
real instrument 104a as well as the game console 108. Further, in some
embodiments, the input port may be a digital input port configured to
receive a digital signal from the real instrument 104a.

[0053]In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106a does not
associate a digital identifier but rather provides signals in a different
channel than that of other instrument interfaces. In one example, the
user may input a channel selection manually via an interface on the
instrument interface 106a or select a channel via the program on the game
console 108. In another example, the user may input a channel selection
into the instrument interface 106a over a USB cable with a digital
device. In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may
automatically try different channels until one is found that is unused or
upon confirmation that the channel is assigned by the game console 108.
Once each instrument interface 106a provides signals in a different
channel, the game console 108 may separate the signals and process the
music and input from the different instrument interfaces separately. As a
result, multiple users with multiple real instruments may interact with
each other and the program on the game console 108. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that there are many ways in which users may provide
their signals so as to interact with each other, the real instruments,
and the program on the game console 108.

[0054]FIG. 3 is a general block diagram of an instrument interface 106a in
another embodiment. The instrument interface 106a comprises an audio
codec 302 as well as a keypad 312 and a power module 320. The audio codec
302 comprises an audio connection 304 and a general purpose input/output
connection (GPIO) 306. The audio codec 302 may comprise any codec that is
configured to receive signals from the real instrument 104a and provide
the signal to the game console 108 (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the
audio codec 302 comprises any integrated chip configured to process audio
signals.

[0055]The audio connector 304 may comprise a line out port 308 and a line
in port 310. The line in port 310 may be configured to receive a cable
from real instrument 104a or any real musical instrument. The audio codec
302 may receive a signal from the real instrument 104a via the line in
port 310. In various embodiments, the real instrument 104a may use any
standard cable used with the real instrument 104a to couple with the line
in port 310.

[0056]The line out port 308 is any port that is configured to receive a
signal from the audio codec 302. In some embodiments, the line out port
308 may be configured to output an analog signal from the real instrument
310 without processing by the audio codec 302 (e.g., which may, in turn,
be received by an amplifier, speaker, or other device). In other
embodiments, the line out port 308 may output a digital signal after an
analog signal received by the line in port 310 is converted via an ADC.
In some embodiments, the audio connector 304 may only comprise a line in
port 310.

[0057]In various embodiments, the user may output a mixed signal from the
instrument interface 106a through the line out port 308. In one example,
the instrument interface 106a may provide a signal from the real
instrument 104a to the game console 108. The game console 108 may mix a
song with the signal from the user (e.g., by removing a track from the
song and combining the remaining tracks of the song with the user's
playing of the real instrument 104a) and provide the mixed result back to
the instrument interface (e.g., via the wireless antenna 316). The
instrument interface 106a may output the mixed result via the line out
port 308. The user may couple any device to the line out port 308 to
receive the mixed result (e.g., speakers, headphones, amplifier, or other
devices). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the line out port
308 may be configured to output the sound from the real instrument 104a,
a song from the game console 108, audio from the game console 108, or any
other signal.

[0058]The GPIO 306 is any port configured to be coupled with a keypad or
other interface. In one example, the GPIO 306 is coupled with keypad 312.
Although GPIO 306 is identified as a GPIO interface, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that any interface configured to be coupled (either
with a wire or wirelessly) with a user input device (e.g., a keyboard,
keypad, game controller, joystick, or mouse).

[0059]Keypad 312 is any keypad configured to receive user input. In one
example, the keypad 312 may be able to detect user input indicating a
direction (e.g., up, down, left, and/or right) and an enter function. The
keypad 312 may comprise, for example, keys (e.g., buttons), a joystick,
switches, a touchscreen, or any combination of key, joystick, switch,
and/or touchscreen. A keypad on an instrument interface 106 in some
embodiments is depicted in FIG. 8a.

[0060]The audio codec 302 may be coupled with a mini USB connector/USB
connector 314. In various embodiments, the audio codec 302 comprises a
port (e.g., mini USB port 202) configured to receive the mini USB
connector/USB connector 314. In various embodiments, the mini USB
connector/USB connector 314 may be a cable coupled with a game
controller, digital device, game controller 108, or display 110. In some
embodiments, the mini USB connector/USB connector 314 comprises a
wireless adaptor (comprising the wireless antenna 316) with a USB
connector. As discussed previously, the mini USB connector/USB connector
314 is not limited to USB and may be any connector. In some embodiments,
the instrument interface 106a does not comprise a USB port and may not be
configured to be coupled to the mini USB connector/USB connector 314.

[0061]Wireless antenna 316 is any wireless antenna configured to provide
and/or receive signals between the instrument interface 106a and a game
controller 108, display 110, and/or another instrument interface 106a. In
some embodiments, the wireless antenna 316 is external to the instrument
interface 106a. For example, the wireless antenna 316 may be coupled to
the instrument interface 106a via the mini USB connector/USB connector
314. In other embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be
configured to only connect to a game controller 108, display 110, and/or
another instrument interface 106a via a wire.

[0062]The instrument interface may also comprise an optional LED indicator
318. The LED indicator 318 may be configured to display a light to
indicate that the instrument interface 106a is active (e.g., turned on).
The LED indicator 318 may also indicate when the instrument interface
106a is functioning, when the instrument interface 106a is charged, or in
need of being charged. The LED indicator 318 may also indicate when the
instrument interface 106a is being configured or if an error has
occurred. In some examples, different lights, colors, or blinking may
indicate different functions (e.g., blinking when the instrument
interface 106a may need to be charged or an error has occurred). Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the LED indicator 318 is not
limited to an LED but may be any visual indicator including a display
screen and/or may be any kind of light. In some embodiments, the
instrument interface 106a may comprise a speaker to make sounds in
addition to or in place of the LED indicator 318.

[0063]The instrument interface 106a also comprises a power module 320. The
power module 320 is configured to power the instrument interface 106a. In
various embodiments, the power module 320 comprises a power supply 322, a
charger 324, and a battery 326. The power supply 322 provides power to
the various components of the instrument interface 106a. In various
embodiments, the power supply 322 steps up or down the voltage received
from the charger 324 and/or from the battery 326. The charger 324 is any
charger (e.g., AC adaptor) that is configured to receive power and
provide the power to the power module 320. In some embodiments, the
charger 324 receives power via the mini USB conn/USB conn 314 (e.g., from
a digital device such as the game console 108). In various embodiments,
the charger 326 may condition the power to be received by the power
module 320 and provide surge protection and/or filtration.

[0064]The battery 326 may be any kind of battery configured to store power
for later use by the instrument interface 106a. In one example, the
battery may be at 3.7 volts and be able to provide 2 milliamps of current
per hour. The power module 320, power supply 322, charger 324, and
battery 326 are further described previously in the discussion regarding
the battery and regulation module 206 of FIG. 2.

[0065]The on/off button 328 is configured to activate or deactivate the
instrument interface 106a. In one example, the instrument player 102a may
switch the on/off button 328 to activate or deactivate the instrument
interface 106a. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
instrument interface 106a may be activated or deactivated in any number
of ways including manually or automatically. In some examples, the
instrument interface 106a may be activated by the instrument player 102a
manually by a switch, button, slider, or any interface. The instrument
interface 106a may also be activated or deactivated automatically. In one
example, the instrument interface 106a may be configured to activate when
coupled with a real instrument 104a. The instrument interface 106a may
also always be active as long as there is power (e.g., the battery 326
maintains a charge).

[0066]The debug module 330 is a module configured to debug the instrument
interface 106a. In one example, the debug module 330 is configured to
debug the audio codec 302. The debug module 330 may be used at the
factory during the manufacture of the instrument interface 106a as a part
of quality assurance and/or may be used to correct defective units.

[0067]In various embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be
configured to wirelessly communicate via wireless USB, Bluetooth, or any
number of wireless standards (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n, WiMax, LTE, or WiFi).
In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be configured to
communicate via wireless USB and the instrument interface 106a is further
modified to receive and convert the signal from another standard (e.g.,
Bluetooth). In one example, the instrument interface 106a may comprise an
antenna or be coupled to an antenna capable of receiving a Bluetooth
signal and converting the signal into a format that may be understood by
the instrument interface 106a. Similarly, the instrument interface 106a
may provide a signal in one standard (e.g., wireless USB) which may then
be converted to a standard that may be received by the game console 108.

[0068]The instrument interface 106a may be configured to adjust a latency
in order to compensate for timing issues created between varying
distances between the instrument interface 106a and the game console 108.
In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106a is configured to allow
a user (e.g., the instrument player 102a) the option to adjust a latency
parameter that alters signal latency. The instrument interface 106a may
also be configured to determine signal latency automatically through
communication with the game console 108. Further, the game console 108
may be configured to determine latency based on the communication with
the instrument interface 106a and transmit commands to the instrument
interface 106a to increase or decrease the latency parameter. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways in which a
latency parameter and/or signal latency between the instrument interface
106a and the game console 108 may be controlled.

[0069]Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be more or
less components of the instrument interface 106a than that depicted in
FIG. 3. FIGS. 4 and 5 are further embodiments of the instrument interface
106a with more detail than FIG. 3.

[0070]FIG. 4 is a technical block diagram of an instrument interface 106a
in an embodiment. In various embodiments, the audio codec 302 described
in FIG. 3 may comprise a UAC355xb 402. The UAC355xb 402 is a Micronas USB
audio IC. UAC355xb 402 may comprise a high-performance stereo audio
ADC/DAC, digital serial interfaces, and an additional DAC channel for the
subwoofer signal. The UAC355xb 402 may offer a programmable 5-band
parametric equalizer for correcting the frequency response of the applied
speaker plus adjustable dynamic low-frequency processing for the
subwoofer channel. Sampling rates for USB record and playback may be
handled independently.

[0071]The UAC355xb 402 may comprise a USB interface 404, a digital to
analog converter (DAC) 406, and an ADC 408 in communication with a
digital signal processor (DSP). The UAC355xb 402 may also provide for
programmable gain as well as a ROM. The USB interface 404 may comprise
any interface that may be coupled with a device external to the
instrument interface 106a. In one example, a USB device 430 comprising an
antenna USB module 432 (e.g., wireless network adaptor) may be coupled
with the USB interface 404.

[0072]The EEPROM 412 is any nonvolatile memory (e.g., computer readable
medium) that may be used to program the UAC355xb 402. In some examples,
the EEPROM 412 may comprise instructions to program the UAC355xb 402 to
process signals received by the line in port 426 (e.g., program gain),
program a ROM or RAM in the UAC355xb 402, and/or control a DSP in the
UAC355xb 402. In some embodiments, the EEPROM 412 may communicate with
the UAC355xb 402 via an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus. The
I2C is a multi-master serial computer bus. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the EEPROM 412 may communicate with the UAC355xb 402
via any interface and is not limited to an I2C bus.

[0073]The DAC 406 may be coupled to a line out port 414 which may be
configured to couple the UAC355xb 402 to a headphone, amplifier, and/or
subwoofer. In some embodiments, the line out port 414 may comprise
multiple ports including an out port for a left speaker, a right speaker,
and a subwoofer. Those skilled the art will appreciate that there may be
any number of line out ports.

[0074]The line in port 416 is a port to receive a signal (e.g., from a
real instrument 104a). In some embodiments, the UAC355xb 402 may comprise
a programmable gain to be applied to signals received via the line in 416
before being received by the ADC 408. The line in port 416 may comprise
any number of ports. In one example, the line in port 416 may include a
port for a left signal, a right signal, and a mic.

[0075]The UAC355xb 402 may also comprise a GPIO 410 that may be coupled
with a keypad 418. The keypad 418, in some embodiments, comprises a left
button 420, top button 422, bottom button 424, and a right button 426 as
well as an enter button 428. In various embodiments, the keypad 418 may
comprise a joystick which may be pushed left, top, bottom, or right to
input similar functions as the buttons into the instrument interface
106a. Further, the joystick may be compressed to enter an "enter"
command. The keypad 418 may comprise any input/output interface and may
be controlled by the instrument player 102a.

[0076]The instrument interface 106a may also comprise a power LED 450
configured to display a light when the instrument interface 106a is
activated and/or charged.

[0077]In various embodiments, the UAC355xb 402 may be coupled with the USB
device 430 via the USB interface 404. The USB device 430 may comprise a
wireless adaptor (e.g., the antenna USB module 432). Although the
wireless adaptor is depicted as an antenna USB module (e.g., with a
Wisair chip), the wireless adaptor may comprise any antenna. In some
embodiments, the wireless adaptor may be internal to the instrument
interface 106a. The USB device 430 may also comprise a MINI USB connector
434 that may receive power (e.g., +5 volts) from a digital device such as
a game console 108 or display 110 (see FIG. 1). In various embodiments,
the USB interface 404 may be coupled with the digital device to charge a
battery (e.g., battery 442).

[0078]The instrument interface 106a may comprise a power module 436 which
may comprise a buck/boost power supply 438, a charger 440, and a battery
442. Similar to the power module 320 discussed herein with respect to
FIG. 3, the buck/boost power supply 438 may provide power from the
charger 440 and/or the battery 442 to power the instrument interface
106a. In some embodiments, the buck/boost power supply 438 may step up
the power received from the battery to charge the instrument interface
106a. In one example, the battery may provide 3.7 volts and the
buck/boost power supply 438 may step up the voltage to +5 volts.

[0079]The charger 440 may receive power via the USB interface 404, a power
adaptor, or other power source. The battery 442 may be any storage
capable of storing energy to power the instrument interface 106a. In one
example, the battery 442 may provide 3.7 volts and 2 mAh. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the battery 442 may provide any voltage
at any current.

[0080]The debug module 444 may comprise a universal asynchronous
receiver/transmitter (UART) port 446 and a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG)
port 448. The debug module 444 may be used to debug the instrument
interface 106a during manufacture or to determine an error or other
problem. The UART port 446 may translate data between parallel and serial
forms and, as depicted in FIG. 4, may be used to communicate with the
UAC355xb 402 via an RS232 interface. The JTAG port 448 is an IEEE 1149.1
standard entitled Standard Test Access Port and Boundary-Scan
Architecture for test access ports used for testing printed circuit
boards using boundary scan. JTAG may be used as an IC debug or probing
port. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the debug module 444
may use any number of ports and/or interfaces to debug the UAC355xb 402
and is not limited to those depicted in FIG. 4.

[0081]The instrument interface 106a may also comprise an on/off button
452. As discussed herein, the instrument interface 106a may comprise more
or less components performing similar functionality.

[0082]FIG. 5 is a technical block diagram of an instrument interface 106a
in another embodiment. Instrument interface 106a may comprise an embedded
microprocessor (embedded uP) 502. The embedded uP 502 may comprise any
processor configured to receive signals from a real instrument 104a and
provide the signals to the game console 108 or other digital device. In
some examples, the embedded uP 502 may be an extensible processor (e.g.,
configurable) and/or an audio codec.

[0083]The embedded uP 502 may comprise RAM 504, Flash 506, debug port 508,
a USB host 510, an I2C bus 512, a USB device port 514, a DAC 520, an
ADC 522, and a GPIO 524. The RAM 504 may comprise any volatile memory.
The flash 506 may comprise any nonvolatile memory (e.g., NAND or NOR
flash memory). The RAM 504 and the flash 506 are computer readable media
that may store instructions to configure a processor of the embedded uP
502 to perform a method (e.g., the method described in FIG. 7). In
various embodiments, the embedded uP 502 may comprise only a single type
of memory or many types of memory and not be limited to that depicted in
FIG. 5.

[0084]The debug port 508 may be coupled with a debug module 558 that
comprises a UART port 560 and/or a JTAG port 562. The USB host port 510
may be coupled with a USB device 516 such as a USB device 516 comprising
an antenna USB module 518 for wireless communication between the
instrument interface 106a and a digital device such as a game console 108
and/or display 110. In some embodiments, the USB host port 510 may not
exist and the antenna USB module 518 may be internal to the instrument
interface 106a. In some embodiments, a signal is receive from a real
instrument 104a via the line in port 528 further described herein. The
embedded uP 502 may process the signal and provide the signal to the game
console 108 (or other digital device) via the antenna USB module 518.

[0085]The EEPROM 546 may be coupled with the embedded uP 502 via the PC
bus 512. The EEPROM 546 may be used to program the embedded uP 502 and/or
one or more components of the embedded uP 502.

[0086]The USB device port 514 may be coupled to any digital device via a
USB cable and may receive power via a mini USB connection 526. In one
example, the mini USB connection 526 may provide +5 volts of power to the
instrument interface 106a (e.g., via the power module 548). In some
embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be charged by periodically
coupling the USB device port 514 with a digital device which charges a
battery (e.g., the battery 554). The instrument interface 106a may also
be charged by a charger 552 such as a power adaptor.

[0087]The DAC 520 may be coupled to the line out port 528 to provide a
signal received from the real instrument 104a to an external device
(e.g., a speaker, amplifier, or subwoofer). In some embodiments, the
embedded uP 502 may provide the analog signal received by the real
instrument 104a directly to the line out port 528 without processing. In
various embodiments, the embedded uP 502 receives an analog signal from
the real instrument 104a, provides gain, converts the analog signal to
digital, performs further processing, converts the signal back to analog
with the DAC 520 and then provides the signal to the line out port 528.

[0088]The ADC 522 may be coupled to the line in port 530 to receive a
signal from the real instrument 104a. In some embodiments, the signal
received by the line in port 530 may already be digital and the ADC 522
is not used or is optional. In various embodiments, a programmable gain
is applied to the analog signal received over the line in port 530 prior
to conversion to a digital signal.

[0089]The GPIO 524 may be coupled with a keypad 532 which is configured to
provide signals associated with a left button 534, a right button 536, a
top button 538, and a bottom button 540. There may also be a separate
enter button 542. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the input
from the instrument player 102a is not limited to that depicted in FIG. 5
and that any sort of input from the instrument player 102a may be
received by the GPIO 524.

[0090]The power LED 544 may indicate when the instrument interface 106 is
active and/or charged. The power module 548 may comprise a power supply
550, the charger 552 and a battery 554 configured to power the instrument
interface 106a, provide surge protection, and/or filter the power
received from a power source (e.g., received via the mini USB connection
526 and/or the charger 552).

[0091]The optional on/off button 556 allows the instrument player 102a to
activate or deactivate the instrument interface 106a. In various
embodiments, there is no on/off button 556 but rather various keys or
buttons on the keypad may be depressed or otherwise activated to activate
or deactivate the power of the instrument interface 106a.

[0092]Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may by any
number of circuits or modules performing similar functionality and still
be within various embodiments as discussed herein.

[0093]FIG. 6 is a box diagram of an instrument interface 106a in another
embodiment. The instrument interface 106a comprises an instrument module
602, a signal processing module 604, a wireless communication module 606,
a user interface module 608, a digital device interface module 610, and a
power module 612.

[0094]The instrument module 602 is configured to receive a signal from a
real instrument 104a. The signal may be received either via a wire or
wirelessly (e.g., over an antenna). In some embodiments, the instrument
module 602 may amplify the signal and/or convert the signal received from
the real instrument 104a from analog to a digital signal. In various
embodiments, the instrument module 602 may apply a gain that is
programmable. The gain applied by the instrument module 602 may be
controlled by instructions contained within an EEPROM. In some examples,
the gain may be programmed based on the type of instrument that provides
the signal, the quality of the signal received, the type of digital
device that is to receive the signal, the requirements of a game, or any
number of other factors. In some examples, the instrument module 602
comprises a line in port and an ADC.

[0095]The signal processing module 604 processes the signal received from
the instrument module 602. In some embodiments, the signal processing
module 604 may comprise a DSP which may be configured by instructions
(e.g., instructions within the EEPROM). The signal processing module 604
may format the signal to prepare the signal for transmission to a digital
device. In some embodiments, the signal processing module 604 may
equalize the signal, provide gain, filter, or shape the signal. In some
examples, the signal processing module may comprise an audio codec, an
embedded microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or the like.

[0096]Further, the signal processing module 604 may control transmission
of signal to the digital device. In some embodiments, the signal
processing module 604 monitors the communication between the wireless
communication module 606 and the instrument interface 106a. The signal
processing module 604 may shape the channel, select a different wireless
channel to communicate with the digital device, shape traffic on the
channel, prioritize data from the signal, perform error correction, and
encode the data from the signal to prepare for transmission.

[0097]In various embodiments, the signal processing module 604 associates
an instrument identifier with the signal, the real instrument 104a,
and/or the instrument interface 106a. In one example, each instrument
interface 106a may be associated with a unique instrument identifier that
is associated with data from the signal and provided to the receiving
digital device (e.g., game console 108). The receiving digital device may
receive data from multiple instrument interfaces and separate the signals
based on the instrument identifier to allow for multiple real instruments
to interact with the digital device. In one example, a plurality of real
instruments may compete in a game or perform in a virtual concert. The
signals may be provided from the real instruments to the game console 108
via respective instrument interfaces. The game console 108 may receive
the signals and organize the data based, at least in part, on the
instrument identifier thereby allowing multiple real instruments to be
recognized by the game console 108. As such, a game or virtual learning
environment may allow multiple instrument players to play multiple real
instruments together to teach each other, compete, play a game, record,
and/or play music.

[0098]In some embodiments, each instrument interface 106a comprises a
single instrument identifier that is encoded with data from the signal of
the real instrument 104a. In other embodiments, the digital device (e.g.,
software on the game console) may communicate with one or more instrument
interfaces and assign respective instrument identifiers. For example,
each instrument interface 106a may communicate with the game console 108
and receive a separate and distinct instrument identifier. The game
console 108 may assign instrument identifiers dynamically or from a
static set of identifiers. The instrument identifiers may be unique
across all game consoles 108 or they comprise a similar or same set of
instrument identifiers per game console 108. In some embodiments, the
game console 108 assigns an instrument identifier every time the program
(e.g., learning environment) is initiated.

[0099]A plurality of instrument interface 106a may also communicate with
each other to select an instrument identifier from a set of identifiers
or generate an instrument identifier. In one example, the wireless
communication module 606 may communicate between instrument interfaces to
identify the number of instrument interfaces and confirm that the same
instrument identifiers are not being used concurrently.

[0100]In some embodiments, each instrument interface 106a is associated
with at least one instrument identifier. In one example, a unique digital
identifier may be embedded within each instrument interface 106a. In
various embodiments, the game controller 108 authenticates the instrument
identifier which may allow the game controller 108 to pair with
instrument interface associated with the instrument identifier. Based on
the instrument identifier, the game controller 108 may also correlate
signals from the associated instrument interface 106a to a pre-identified
track of prerecorded music.

[0101]Multiple instrument interfaces may each have an associated
instrument identifier which may be used to pair simultaneously (or near
simultaneously) with the game controller 108 (e.g., via a single point of
reception or intermediate multichannel wireless receiver). In one
example, the game console 108 comprises an intermediate multi-channel
wireless receiver and software with an integrated API/software
encoding/decoding function. The receiver and the integrated API/software
encoding/decoding function may identify discrete data channels
transmitted simultaneously from multiple interface devices and pair
multiple instrument interfaces with the game console 108.

[0102]Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways in
which an instrument identifier may be determined and/or generated.
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many
ways in which signals may be associated with instrument identifiers such
that a digital device will be able to separate received signals to allow
multiple real instruments to interact.

[0103]The wireless communication module 606 may comprise any wireless
antenna configured to provide data (e.g., data from the real instrument
104a) to a digital device (e.g., game console 108, display 110, or one or
more other instrument interfaces 106b). In some examples, the wireless
communication module 606 may encode, perform error correction, buffer,
and/or associate the instrument identifier with data transmitted or
received. The wireless communication module 606 may be, for example, an
onboard antenna or an external antenna (e.g., the antenna USB module
518).

[0104]The user interface module 608 is configured to receive input from a
user (e.g., instrument player 102a). In some embodiments, the user
interface module 608 comprises a joystick, keypad, display, touchpad,
touch screen, buttons, switches, levers and/or the like. In one example,
a user (e.g., instrument player 102a) may activate the instrument
interface 106a via an on/off switch of the user interface module 608. The
user may interact with a graphical user interface of a program on the
digital device (e.g., game console) by inputting directions (e.g., up,
down, left, or right) and entering a selection (e.g., an "enter"
function). The user may also select the type of real instrument being
played, the number of real instruments to be played, the number of
players, and/or the type of game console. In some embodiments, one or
more of these selections are made by the user interacting with a program
or game on the digital device via the user interface module 608. In one
example, the user interface module 608 may comprise a keypad 532.

[0105]The digital device interface module 610 is configured to couple the
instrument interface 106a with a digital device, including, but not
limited to, a computer, game console 108, or display 110. In some
embodiments, the digital device interface module 610 comprises a USB port
(e.g., USB port 514). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
digital device interface module 610 may comprise any type of port (e.g.,
USB, Ethernet, or firewire) or an antenna for wireless communication. In
various embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be powered or
charged from the digital device via the digital device interface module
610.

[0106]In various embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be
updated, configured, and/or programmed via digital device over the
digital device interface module 610. In one example, a user may couple
the instrument interface 106a with the digital device via cable over the
instrument interface 106a. A program (e.g., executable application) may
be executed on the digital device thereby allowing the user to control
the instrument interface 106a. In some embodiments, the user may upgrade
the firmware of the instrument interface 106a, associate one or more real
instruments with the instrument interface 106a, select or generate an
instrument identifier, select a game console 108, select a program (e.g.,
a learning application or a game) for the game console 108, and/or
program the user interface of the instrument interface 106a. In some
embodiments, the user may also control the digital signal processing of
one or more signals received from a real instrument 104a such as gain,
filtration, equalization, attenuation, and/or add audio effects,
modifications or enhancements.

[0107]The power module 612 powers the instrument interface 106a. In
various embodiments, the power module 612 comprises a battery and/or a
charger. The power module 612 may store energy to power the instrument
interface 106a and may indicate when power is low and the amount of time
of battery power that is left. In various embodiments, the power module
612 may perform surge protection or filtration of the power. In some
examples, the power module 612 comprises a power module 548.

[0108]It will be appreciated that a "module" may comprise software,
hardware, firmware, and/or circuitry. In one example one or more software
programs comprising instructions capable of being executable by a
processor may perform one or more of the functions of the modules
described herein. In another example, circuitry may perform the same or
similar functions. Alternative embodiments may comprise more, less, or
functionally equivalent modules and still be within the scope of present
embodiments. For example, as previously discussed, the functions of the
various modules may be combined or divided differently.

[0109]FIG. 7 is an exemplary method for wireless connectivity between an
instrument interface 106a and a digital device such as a game console
108. In optional step 702, a user may configure settings of the
instrument interface 106a or a program on the digital device to identify
a real instrument 104a. In some embodiments, a user may identify the real
instrument 104a as a guitar, drums, keyboard, or the like. In other
embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be configured to determine
when the instrument interface 106a is coupled with a real instrument
104a. In one example, the instrument interface 106a does not specifically
identify the real instrument 104a but rather determines when the
instrument interface 106a is coupled with the real instrument 104a (e.g.,
by receiving a signal from the real instrument 104a).

[0110]In optional step 704, the instrument interface 106a receives a
format selection. In one example, when the instrument interface 106a is
configured to communicate with a game console 108, the instrument
interface 106a determines how to format data to be provided to the game
console 108. In some embodiments, different game consoles 108 and/or
different network adaptors require the data to be formatted differently.
Once the instrument interface 106a recognizes or is configured for the
right game console 108 and/or wireless network, the instrument interface
106a may determine or otherwise receive a format selection such that data
can be received by the game console 108. In some embodiments, the signal
processing module 604 of the instrument interface 106a determines the
format selection.

[0111]In step 706, the instrument module 602 of the instrument interface
106a receives a real instrument 104a signal. In some embodiments, the
signal from the real instrument 104a is an analog signal. The instrument
module 602 and/or the signal processing module 604 may apply a gain,
attenuate, filter, modify, or enhance the signal. Further, the signal may
be converted to a digital signal by an ADC.

[0112]In step 708, the signal processing module 604 converts the real
instrument signal to the selected format such that a receiving digital
device (e.g., game console 108) may receive and process the signal. The
selected format may be the format determined and/or identified in step
704.

[0113]In step 710, the signal processing module 604 processes the
formatted signal to include an instrument identifier. As discussed
herein, the instrument identifier may be static or dynamic. The
instrument identifier may be previously assigned to the instrument
interface 106a or dynamically assigned by the instrument interface 106a,
by another instrument interface, game console 108, or any digital device.

[0114]In various embodiments, multiple real instruments are coupled with
separate instrument interfaces. The signals from each instrument
interface may be associated with a different instrument identifier. The
signals may then be received by the game console 108 which may then
separate the signals based on the instrument identifier. A game or other
program on the game console 108 may then play back each signal such that
the real instruments sound or appear like they are playing together.
Further, the game console 108 may allow competition between instruments,
provide separate instruction for each instrument, judge the quality and
technical merit of the play of each instrument, and so on.

[0116]FIG. 8a depicts a front and right side view of the instrument
interface 106a in an embodiment. The instrument interface 106a as
depicted comprises a body 802, a cable interface 804, a selector 806, an
enter button 808, an activation/deactivation switch 810, and an audio out
port 812. In some embodiments, the body 802 is cylindrical in shape,
approximately 48 mm long and 18 mm in diameter. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the instrument interface 106a may be any shape and
may be of any length and/or diameter.

[0117]The cable interface 804 may be a line in port (e.g., analog input
port 214 of FIG. 2, line in port 310 of FIG. 3, line in port 416 of FIG.
4, and/or line in port 526 of FIG. 5). In one example, a standard cable
may be used to couple the real instrument 104a to the cable interface
804. In some embodiments, the instrument module 602 (see FIG. 6) may
receive a signal from the real instrument 104a via the cable interface
804.

[0118]The selector 806 comprises any interface that a user may use to
input selections into the instrument interface 106a. In one example, the
selector 806 is a joystick that may move up, down, left, or right. A user
may wirelessly interact with the learning environment or other program on
a game console 108 by inputting selections with the selector and/or
pushing the enter key 808. The choices may be reflected in a graphical
user interface of the game or program. For example, a game may require a
selection between three different modes. The user may choose a mode by
pushing the selector 806 upwards. The selection is then wirelessly
transmitted from the instrument interface 106a to the game console 108
which may then receive the signal and highlight the desired mode. The
user may then depress the enter key 808 to activate the selection.

[0119]The activation/deactivation switch 810 activates and/or deactivates
the instrument interface 106a. The audio out port 812 may be configured
to output a signal from a real instrument 104a, output from the game
console 108, and/or a mixed signal from both the real instrument 104a and
the game console 108.

[0120]FIG. 8b depicts a bottom view 814 of the instrument interface 106a
in an embodiment. The bottom view 814 of the instrument interface 106a
may comprise a USB port 816 and an LED 818. The body of the instrument
interface 106a may also allow for a battery to be placed in the bottom of
the instrument interface 106a (e.g., an alkaline, lithium, and/or
rechargeable battery).

[0121]The USB port 816 may be any port configured to be coupled with a
digital device. In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106a may be
configured and/or charged via the USB port 816. The LED 818 may be
configured to indicate when the instrument interface 106a is activated,
powered (e.g., charged), and or functioning.

[0122]In some embodiments, the game console 108 executes a program to
teach a user to learn and play a real instrument 104a. For example, for
rhythm guitar, the program may display guitar tabs synchronized with the
audio playback and live (user generated) guitar track. The streaming
audio from the user's guitar may be delivered via USB to the game console
108 and synchronized with the game audio playback. The user's guitar tone
may be modified through amp/effect modeling (e.g., by the game console
108 and or the instrument interface 106a) to duplicate that of the
original recording.

[0123]FIG. 9 is a general block diagram of a game console 108 in an
embodiment. The game console 108 comprises a receiving module 902, a
multiple instrument module 904, a user interaction module 906, a music
player module 908, a teaching module 910, a synchronization module 912, a
recordation module 914, and a communication module 916. The game console
108, as discussed herein, may be any game console such as a Microsoft
Xbox or any digital device. The receiving module 902 receives a signal
from the instrument interface 106a. The some examples, the signal may
comprise music, output from the real instrument 104a, an instrument
identifier, and/or selections from the instrument interface 106a. The
receiving module 902 may comprise an antenna configured to receive data
wirelessly from the instrument interface 106a and/or may comprise a port
configured to receive data from the instrument interface 106a via a wire
(e.g., game pad port, USB port, or the like). In some embodiments, the
receiving module 902 may decode, decrypt, and/or perform error correction
on the signal(s) received from the instrument interface(s).

[0124]The multiple instrument module 904 is configured to separate signals
received via the receiving module 902 from separate real instruments. In
some embodiments, separate channels may be used for each signal
associated with a different instrument identifier. In some embodiments,
the multiple instrument module 904 may detect one or more different
instrument interfaces and assign a separate instrument identifier to each
one. The respective instrument identifier may be provided to a instrument
interface 106a via the communication module 916. The instrument interface
106a may receive the instrument identifier and then associate all signals
provided to the game console 108 with the assigned instrument identifier.

[0125]The user interaction module 906 may retrieve user selections (e.g.,
via a keypad or buttons on the instrument interface 106a) from the
signals received via the receiving module 902. The user interaction
module 906 may also display (or control the display of) a graphical user
interface and allow the user of the instrument interface 106a to interact
with the graphical user interface based on the retrieved user selections.

[0126]In various embodiments, the user interaction module 906 may display
options for the user to select via the instrument interface 106a
including learn, play, record, or share. When learn is selected,
instruction on how to play the real instrument 104a may be provided. When
play is selected, the user may have the option to play along with songs
on the game console 108 and practice. The user may also have the option
to download more songs from a network via the communication module 916.
When record is selected, the output from the real instrument 104a and/or
background music (e.g., selected songs) may be recorded for playback
later. When share is selected, the recorded music or music that is
currently being played may be shared with others (e.g., over a network).

[0127]In some embodiments, the user interaction module 906 may display
images and sounds to assist the user in playing the real instrument 104a.
In one example, the user interaction module 906 generates synchronized
displays of music notation, tablature, lyrics, and other visual and/or
audio representations of playing methods for a given song or track(s) in
real-time (or near real-time) along with the song. One or more of the
different displays and/or sounds may be based upon user preference.

[0128]The user interaction module 906 may also be configured to generate a
synchronized metronome. The metronome may have timing calculated to match
a song that is playing (e.g., a song selected by the user). The metronome
may be audio, video, or both. The user interaction module 906 may
comprise an option to allow a user to activate or deactivate the
metronome. In some examples, the user may deactivate the display of the
metronome but may continue to hear the metronome. Alternately, the user
may deactivate the audio portion of the metronome and continue to see a
display of a metronome on the display 110. Further, the user may
deactivate both the audio and visual portions of the metronome.

[0129]The music player module 908 may play music received from one or more
of the real instruments. In some embodiments, the user interaction module
906 may provide instructions on how to play the real instrument, a game
for learning, a game for competition, or any program that allows user
interaction with the real instrument. The music player module 908 may
play back music received via the receiving module 902 as well as provide
instructions for notes to be played. In one example, the music player
module 908 may display the strings of a guitar to be played as well as
the position of the fingers on the neck of the guitar in time with music.

[0130]The music player module 908 may also receive a music selection from
the user via the user interaction module 906 and play back the music
selection allowing the user to play along with the selection. In some
embodiments, the music player module 908 may remove one or more parts of
the music thereby allowing the user to play the real instrument 104a in
place of the missing part. For example, the music player module 908 may
remove a lead guitar portion of a selected song thereby allowing the user
to play the real instrument 104a in place of the lead guitar portion.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any portion of the music
may be removed or modified to allow one or more user to play real
instrument(s) in conjunction with one or more songs.

[0131]The teaching module 910 may provide instructions, suggestions,
and/or corrections to the user. In some embodiments, signals received
from a real instrument 104a are analyzed and compared against a standard.
In one example, the user plays a portion of a song with a real instrument
104a. The signals are received by the receiving module 902 and the
teaching module 910 compares the received signals against a standard song
or expectation. The teaching module 910 may provide instructions for
improvement, provide practice drills, test certain techniques, and/or
select music to emphasize learning. In some embodiments, the user may
select a practice mode (e.g., easy, middle, and hard). The teaching
module 910 may then rate the user's performance more strictly or easily
based on the mode. The teaching module 910 and/or the music player module
908 may reward good playing. In some examples, the user may be rewarded
by a change in the display (e.g., fireworks), sound, and/or a performance
by an expert and/or famous musician. The teaching module 910 may also
rank or rate the performance.

[0132]The synchronization module 912 may synchronize the playing by the
user of the real instrument. In one example, the synchronization module
912 receives a signal from the instrument interface 106a via the
receiving module 902. The synchronization module 912 may then synchronize
the signal with a song selection or enhance music played by the real
instrument 104a. In some embodiments, the synchronization module 912
synchronizes the signals received from multiple instrument interfaces.
The synchronization module 912 may also synchronize signals received from
multiple instrument interfaces with one or more songs.

[0133]In some embodiments, when a real instrument 104a is played over an
existing song, the program or the instrument interface 106a may perform a
variety of emulations (e.g., instrument/amp/cabinet emulation) to
simulate the sound of the original recording. In some embodiments, the
user has the ability to mute or replace selected tracks from a
prerecorded music library supplied on the game or downloaded through an
online portal. The songs may be pre-mixed into "stems" representing key
instruments used in the song (e.g., lead guitar, rhythm guitar, lead
vocal, backup vocal, bass guitar, and a consolidated mix of the remaining
sounds an instruments: percussion, keyboard, accordion, or special
effects).

[0134]The synchronization module 912 may be configured to allow a user to
re-master a selected song while replacing an original music track with
another created by the user. In one example, the user selects a song and
an instrument (e.g., lead guitar). The game console 108 may play the
selected song without the lead guitar track. The game console 108 may
record the user playing the lead guitar track with the real instrument
104a and re-master the song with the user's track. In some embodiments,
the synchronization module 912 and/or the recordation module 914 may be
configured to apply sound emulation algorithms to the user-generated
tracks to emulate a tone and signal processing of the original track.

[0135]The recordation module 914 may record one or more signals from the
receiving module 902. In some embodiments, the recordation module 914
records the play and/or performance from the real instrument 104a.
Multiple performances may be recorded. In some embodiments, the
recordation module 914 records the music from some but not all of the
real instrument 104a that provide signals to the game console 108 at one
time. The recordings may be played back so that a user may learn from the
performance and/or enjoy the music. The recordation may also be shared
over a network. In some embodiments, the recordation module 914 records
the performance(s) on a hard drive or other computer readable medium.

[0136]The communication module 916 communicates with one or more digital
devices via a network. In some embodiments, the game console 106 is
coupled to a network such as the Internet via the communication module
916. Recordations may be shared by the communication module 916. Further,
players at different locations may interact, play, compete, and/or learn
from each other.

[0137]In some embodiments, a signal from a real instrument 104a may be
received via a receiving module 902 and another signal may be received
via the communication module 916. The two signals may be separated based
on distinct instrument identifiers by the multiple instrument module 904.
The music player module 908 and/or the teaching module 910 may interact
with both signals allowing a local and a remote user to play together.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways
multiple users (remote, local, or both) may play, compete, and/or learn
from each other and interact with the program.

[0138]In various embodiments, the game console 108 may be configured to
identify an instrument interface 106a and an associated real instrument
104a. The game console 108 may then identify one or more tracks of a song
and give the user the option to play the real instrument 106a in place of
one of the tracks. In one example, the game console 108 identifies an
instrument interface 106a (e.g., via the instrument identifier) and
identifies a real instrument 104a associated with the instrument
interface 106a. In some embodiments, game console 108 may identify the
real instrument 104a automatically based on the signal from the
instrument interface 106a or through an indication from the user (e.g.,
via the navigation controls on the keypad of the instrument interface
106a). The game console 108 may then give the option to the user to play
an associated track of a song. For example, if the game console 108
identifies the real instrument 104a as a guitar, the game console 108 may
provide the player of the guitar the option to play in place of a lead
guitar track or a rhythm guitar track. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that there are many ways in which the game console 108 may
provide players the option to play the real instrument in place of one or
more tracks of a song.

[0139]Alternative embodiments may comprise more, less, or functionally
equivalent modules and still be within the scope of present embodiments.
For example, as previously discussed, the functions of the various
modules may be combined or divided differently

[0140]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital device 1000. Any
of the instrument interfaces, game console 108, or display 110 may be an
instance of the digital device 1000. The digital device 1000 comprises a
processor 1002, memory system 1004, storage system 1006, a communication
interface 1008, an input/output interface 1010, and a display interface
1012 communicatively coupled to a bus 1014. The processor 1002 is
configured to execute executable instructions (e.g., programs). In some
embodiments, the processor 1002 comprises circuitry or any processor
capable of processing the executable instructions.

[0141]The memory system 1004 stores data. Some examples of memory system
1004 include storage devices, such as RAM, ROM, RAM cache, virtual
memory, etc. In various embodiments, working data is stored within the
memory system 1004. The data within the memory system 1004 may be cleared
or ultimately transferred to the storage system 1006.

[0142]The storage system 1006 includes any storage configured to retrieve
and store data. Some examples of the storage system 1006 include flash
drives, hard drives, optical drives, and/or magnetic tape. Each of the
memory system 1004 and the storage system 1006 comprises a
computer-readable medium, which stores instructions or programs
executable by processor 1002.

[0143]The communication interface (com. interface) 1008 may be coupled to
a network (e.g., bus 1014) via the link 1016. The communication interface
1008 may support communication over an Ethernet connection, a serial
connection, a parallel connection, and/or an ATA connection. The
communication interface 1008 may also support wireless communication
(e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n, WiMax, LTE, WiFi, wireless USB). It will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the communication interface
1008 can support many wired and wireless standards.

[0144]The optional input/output interface 1010 is any device that inputs
data (e.g., mouse, keyboard, keypad, or joystick). The optional display
interface 1012 outputs data (e.g., to a display). In one example, the
display interface 1012 may comprise a graphic processor or card.

[0145]It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hardware
elements of the digital device 1000 are not limited to those depicted in
FIG. 10. A digital device 1000 may comprise more or less hardware,
software and/or firmware components than those depicted (e.g., drivers,
operating systems, or touch screens). Further, hardware elements may
share functionality and still be within various embodiments described
herein. In one example, encoding and/or decoding may be performed by the
processor 1002 and/or a co-processor located on a GPU (i.e., Nvidia).

[0146]The above-described functions and components can comprise
instructions that are stored on a storage medium such as a computer
readable medium. Some examples of instructions include software, program
code, and firmware. The instructions can be retrieved and executed by a
processor in many ways.

[0147]The present invention is described above with reference to exemplary
embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications may be made and other embodiments can be used without
departing from the broader scope of the present invention. Therefore,
these and other variations upon the exemplary embodiments are intended to
be covered by the present invention.